BLUE SKY _2

Expedia.co.uk World’s
Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
Introduction Finding the world’s best blue sky The testing
A great holiday is the sum of many parts, but ask In April 2006, Anya Hohnbaum, a 27 year old TV researcher from Glasgow, Expedia.co.uk worked with the National Physical Laboratory
any holidaymaker and they will say that blue was chosen from 2,000 other hopefuls to take on the job of Expedia.co.uk’s (NPL) and its Optical Radiation team, led by Dr Nigel Fox,
skies – whether soaking up the sun, in the surf Blue Sky Explorer, winning the chance to travel the world in search of its on how to define and quantify the ‘best blue sky’.
or on the slopes – are essential. best blue sky.
Anya performed scientific tests using a spectrometer to
Gazing up at bright blue skies can have a huge Thousands of travellers cast their votes on www.let-yourself-go.co.uk to measure the light scattered from each sky, from which NPL
effect on our mood, making us feel calmer, happier determine which destinations made it into the final 20 worthy of a visit on could then determine the exact sky colour, brightness and
and invigorated. The very act of looking up at a Anya’s action packed itinerary. Thousands more followed her journey on cloud density at each location.
blue sky is something people associate with being the site as she hopped from one paradise destination to another.
away on a great holiday. But where in the world However, this wasn’t just a scientific piece of research. In
has the best blue sky? And how do you quantify it? Crossing six continents, 20 countries and 20 destinations, Anya conquered order to translate her findings into something more tangible
blue skies at destinations as varied as South Africa, Japan and Alaska – for the everyday holidaymaker, Anya conducted a series of
Expedia.co.uk has spent the last six months visiting, testing and rating all of them in the first research project of its kind. tests to measure the overall ‘blue sky effect’ – from how bright
working with scientists from the UK’s National the sky was and how many clouds there were in it, through
Physical Laboratory to do just that, revealing All of the photogtraphy in this report has been taken by Anya on her travels to the general ambience and how it made people feel.
which blue sky can be crowned the world’s best and much of the content has come from her personal journals which you
in this ground breaking report. can read at www.let-yourself-go.co.uk.
Why is the sky blue?
NPL develops and accurately measures colour standards
which are used throughout the world to ensure that colour
measuring equipment from Bolton to Bangladesh will produce
compatible results.
So, what is colour? Dr Nigel Fox explains: “Colour is just our
perception of scattered light. The colour of objects depends
on how they are illuminated, how they absorb or scatter light,
and how our eyes and brains react. Only three primaries are
needed to represent all possible colours; red, green and blue.”
The science explained
White light from the Sun containing all
wavelengths (“colours”) in the spectrum
enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
The sunlight is then scattered by the
molecules present in the atmosphere.
This scattering, called Rayleigh scattering,
is more effective at short wavelengths
(the blue end of the visible spectrum)
and so the sky is preferentially blue.
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
The world’s best The route
blue skies
1st Rio de Janeiro 11th St Lucia
Brazil Caribbean
11
2nd Bay of Islands 12th Dublin 18
New Zealand Ireland 17 10
20
15
3rd Uluru 13th Marrakech 16
3
10
Australia Morocco 14
12
5
4th Denarau Island 14th Glacier Bay 4
Fiji Alaska 6
13 9
2
5th Cape Town 15th Phnom Penh 7
South Africa Cambodia 1
8
6th Antananarivo 16th Amalfi Coast
Madagascar Italy
7th Karumba 17th Koh Samui
The Maldives Thailand
8th Tokyo 18th Edinburgh 1 South Africa 11 Alaska
Japan Scotland 2 Madagascar 12 Caribbean
3 Japan 13 Brazil
4 Thailand 14 Egypt
5 Cambodia 15 Italy
9th Castel Dinas Bran 19th Pyramids of Giza
6 Maldives 16 Morocco
Wales Egypt 7 Australia 17 Ireland
8 New Zealand 18 Scotland
9 Fiji 19 Wales
10th Long Beach 20th Cornwall 10 California 20 England
Los Angeles England
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
Blue sky methodology
and results
Blue sky measurement procedure Colour 0.8
0.7
Expedia.co.uk consulted NPL on the best procedure to ensure So Anya made sure that: Anya used a spectrometer, an optical instrument used to measure
the blue sky tests were consistent and fair at each location. light and colour, to take readings at each location. The results were 0.6
They outlined a series of steps to ensure the colourmetric and • All measurements were made at 10 am local solar time, chosen analysed by the Optical Radiation team at NPL to determine which
radiometric based quantites that were measured were robust as skies tend to be clearer in the morning and a noon Sun would sky could be definitively crowned the World’s Best Blue Sky. 0.5
and compliant with international standards. present high scatter issues
As all colours are based on three primaries (red, green and blue), 0.4
• A similar size area of sky was measured at each location the winner of the World’s Best Blue Sky was the one which most
0.3
• The area of sky measured was geographically similar in position excited the blue receptors in the human eye. Featured as the location
to the sun and background environment at each location farthest into the blue area of the diagram on the right, the winning 0.2
destination is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Photography For further information on how the data was analysed, please see
0.1
An integral part of Anya’s kit, she used a Canon EOS 350 the NPL website: www.npl.co.uk/blueskies. 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
camera to take hundreds of blue sky photos at each
destination, capturing each area’s natural beauty and mood.
A Sigma fish-eye camera lens helped to create the dramatic
Brightness
blue sky images. Some of the photographs taken were used
The spectrometer also helped to determine which sky was the brightest. Analysed by NPL, the graph
to assess the blueness of the sky at the NPL laboratories:
below shows that Rio De Janeiro, Brazil had the brightest blue sky whilst Cornwall, England was the
most dull on the day of testing.
To regulate the camera 1 3 Anya would stand with her
at each location, Anya back to the sun, change Brazil Los Angeles
took a picture of NPL’s the focal length to the
Madagascar Australia
test card (pictured) at widest field of view (22 mm)
Japan Italy
each testing ground. and take a photograph of
The camera was set with the horizon with a good Wales New Zealand
a 50 mm focal length. section of each sky in Caribbean Egypt
each photo.
Cambodia Thailand
Morocco Ireland
South Africa Fiji
Alaska Scotland
The Maldives England
Anya would lie on her 2 4 Anya would lie on her back
back and take a and take a photograph of
photograph of the sky the sky directly overhead Sunglasses factor
directly overhead. The with a fish-eye lens, which
But what does this mean for the average holidaymaker? Anya also performed her own test to advise travellers what strength
camera was set with captures a much larger
eye protection they would need to bask under the brightest blue skies in the world, using varying strength sunglasses.
a 50 mm focal length. area of sky.
California Ireland Cambodia Japan Cape Town St Lucia
England Scotland Fiji Maldives Brazil
New Zealand Italy Morocco Egypt
Thailand Australia Wales Madagascar
Alaska
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
That holiday feeling Temperature
Holiday destinations often evoke different feelings. These At each destination on Anya’s trip she made it her business Results from the colder destinations on Anya’s itinerary prove that
can be brought about by the friendliness of the local people, to speak to the locals and visiting tourists to get their point warmer climes and blue skies don’t always have to come hand
beautiful settings, strong cultures and fascinating histories. of view on how each blue sky destination made them feel. in hand. So whether you’re looking for a holiday on the slopes or
Blue skies also contribute to creating this holiday mood. chilling out on the beach, there is a destination for you in the World’s
From a straw poll of 100 people at each destination Best Blue Sky League this summer.
travellers are most likely to get that holiday high in Alaska,
St Lucia, Madagascar, Japan, Australia, Wales and Brazil.
38 Marrakech, Morocco
Need a blue sky boost Of a happy disposition
37
36 Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
35
34
33
Cape Town England Cambodia Italy Alaska
32 St Lucia, Caribbean Phnom Penh, Cambodia Koh Samui, Thailand
California Egypt Scotland Fiji St Lucia
Morocco Ireland Madagascar 31
Thailand New Zealand Japan
30 Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Maldives Australia
Wales 29 The Maldives
Cloud prevelance Brazil 28 Tokyo, Japan
27 Long Beach, Los Angeles
The best blue sky isn’t necessarily one that is cloud free. In fact a 26 Denarau Island, Fiji
cloud can often make a blue sky seem more blue due to the contrasting
colours. Anya identified what cloud cover (if any) was present at each 25
testing location. 24 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
23
22
21
Totally overcast Thin cover of cloud One or two clouds Clear blue skies
20 Antananarivo, Madagascar Dublin, Ireland
19 Uluru, Australia Cornwall, England
18 Castel Dinas Bran, Wales Glacier Bay, Alaska Edinburgh, Scotland
17 Cape Town, South Africa
16
England Fiji California Morocco 15
Ireland St Lucia Brazil 14
Alaska The Maldives
Thailand Madagascar 13 Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Egypt Italy
Scotland Japan
Cambodia
Wales
New Zealand
Australia
Cape Town
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
•
The world’s best •
blue skies uncovered
Alaska Glacier Bay
Blue Sky League Position: 14th
Alaska was one of the coldest destinations on Anya’s itinerary,
but one of the most beautiful. An ‘ice desert’, Alaska is made
up of breathtaking scenery and clean alpine air.
You are most likely to enjoy a trip here as a couple (the country
is known as the fourth most romantic destination in the world!)
and many of the hotels are equipped with outdoor hot tubs for
basking under the bright blue sky in style.
Anya performed her testing at the Glacier Bay National Park.
The area was covered in ice just over 200 years ago and now
offers an intriguing natural laboratory for scientists and a stunning
area for visitors to explore.
Anya’s Top Tip: “If for any reason you become tired of the
hot tub, there are plenty of activities (like kayaking, river rafting,
boat tours or hiking) to keep you warm and on the move!”
Alaska Glacier Bay
Australia Uluru
Blue Sky League Position: 3rd
As a complete opposite to Alaska, the area around Ayers Rock
is dusty and dry. Officially known as Uluru, since it was returned to
its Aboriginal owners in 1985, it is one of Australia’s most famous
landmarks and the country’s most visited site.
It’s the largest standing monolith in the world, rising some 430
metres from the desert, and looks amazing from the air flying in
to Connellan (Ayers Rock) airport.
The red colour of Uluru is due to iron minerals in the surface
rocks oxidising with the air. Summer here officially starts in December
and winter in June. It has a desert climate, mostly dry, with brilliant
blue skies all year round.
Anya’s Top Tip: “Make sure you ask for a seat on the left-hand side
“ Finding the World’s Best Blue Sky has been of the plane if flying from Sydney to Connellen, as you won’t see the
rock from the right-hand side!”
no mean feat. I have travelled over 60,000 miles
around the globe, on fishing boats one day and
climbing at the foot of a glacier the next. Every
destination I visited took my breath away and I
have had a truly incredible experience. ”
Anya Hohnbaum, Expedia.co.uk’s Blue Sky Explorer
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
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Brazil Rio de Janeiro Caribbean St Lucia
Blue Sky League Position: 1st Blue Sky League Position: 11th
Brazil may have failed to win the 2006 World Cup, but St Lucia is part of the Windward Island chain, a sub-group
it will be able to boast at least one accolade this summer – of islands in the West Indies, 21 miles from Martinique,
The World’s Best Blue Sky. and 100 miles North East of Barbados.
Anya performed her tests in Rio de Janeiro, also known A perfect place for couples or families, the local people
as the cidade maravilhosa or marvellous city. The Cariocas are very friendly and good humoured – perhaps due to the
(people of Rio) are a hedonistic bunch, so head for this blue skies.
destination with your friends to party under the bluest sky
in the world! Like all Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys a hot, tropical
climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures
There are so many things to see here. Get even closer to of 27°C (80°F) tend to be tempered by trade winds.
the great blue sky on Sugar Loaf mountain or by visiting
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). The majority of St Lucia’s most stunning beaches are located
in the North West of the island and the calm waters are perfect
Anya’s Top Tip: “If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, for kids to paddle about in!
head down to Ipanema beach and treat yourself to a Caipirinha
cocktail and some typical tapas-style snacks. Try the bolinhas Anya’s Top Tip: “Head to Rodney Bay near Castries for great
de quejo (deep-fried cheese balls) and salgados (in this case, restaurants and a night out partying. Every Friday there is a free
a pastry filled with fish).” street party and locals and tourists come together for a night
of fun!”
Cambodia Phnom Penh Egypt Pyramids of Giza
Blue Sky League Position: 15th Blue Sky League Position: 19th
Cambodia has had a turbulent past but is well on the road Egypt, also known as the “world in one country”, is immersed
to recovery. Tourism is on the rise again and the local people in history, tradition and culture and is one of the oldest tourist
are welcoming visitors. destinations on earth. Well known sites such as the Nile Valley,
The Pyramids of Giza and the natural wonders of the Red Sea
November to February in Cambodia means clear blue skies draw people to visit Egypt year upon year.
by day and cool evenings – perfect weather for exploring
the temples. Egypt’s climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter
months temperatures reach an average of 20°C (68°F) on the
Cambodia is a peaceful, spiritual, and enchanting place with Mediterranean coast and a pleasant 26°C (80°F) inland.
some beautiful architecture to view, such as the temples from Maximum temperatures can reach 31°C (88°F) in the height
the Angkorian period. of the summer.
Anya’s Top Tip: “Take a trip to Psar Tuol Tom Pong, aka Egypt is a mecca for scuba divers world-wide and with this high
the Russian Market in Phnom Penh. This gem of a place level of demand many dive centres operate along the entire
is stocked with, amongst other things, clothing, souvenirs, length of the Egyptian Red Sea coastline. Its unrivalled coral reefs
handbags and jewellery.” home countless species of weird and wonderful fish.
Anya’s Top Tip: “Hire a camel to ride around the edge of the
Sahara desert (mine was called Mickey) or a horse to enjoy a
night-time gallop around the brightly lit pyramids – true Indiana
Jones style!”
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
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Fiji Denarau Island Ireland Dublin
Blue Sky League Position: 4th Blue Sky League Position: 12th
The South Pacific is renowned for being a tropical paradise Dublin is a place to be enjoyed by everyone – from families to
and Denarau Island does not disappoint. couples and friends.
Its location is perfect – only a 20 minute drive from Nadi The coldest months are January and February, while July
International airport, or 10 minutes from Nadi town, which and August are warmest. Although, whatever time of the year
makes it very accessible. the locals will always give a warm welcome.
Perfect for couples or travelling friends, you can head off No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the
the beaten track and discover a bit more of Fiji on a trip out Guinness Storehouse, where visitors can have a look around
into the Nausori highlands. Climb over 2,500 feet, where the and enjoy a free pint of the traditional ‘black stuff’.
air is a bit cooler and the blue sky views are dazzling.
With friends, head out to the Temple Bar area for an evening
Film buffs should visit the island of Modriki, where the film full of frolic with an endless choice of restaurants, pubs
Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks, was shot. and bars.
Anya’s Top Tip: “The natural spring water here is so fresh Anya’s Top Tip: “After conducting my experiments on
and renowned for its high mineral content. Soothe your tired the beautiful grounds of Trinity College, I hopped on one of
feet with a paddle in one of the many waterfalls. I did and it the sightseeing buses for a whiz around Dublin’s main tourist
was heavenly!” attractions. The guide was extremely funny and full of jokes.
I would highly recommend it.”
Italy Amalfi Coast The Maldives Karumba
Blue Sky League Position: 16th Blue Sky League Position: 7th
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is considered by many to be the Resorts in The Maldives woo tourists with promises of ‘the
most beautiful stretch of coastline in Europe. The towns all last paradise on earth’ and if your idea of paradise is a
have great restaurants, luxury hotels, shopping boutiques pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white
and sunset views. beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then The Maldives
will not disappoint.
The Mediterranean climate of southern Italy is milder and
sunnier than the North, with dry summers and wet autumns Most suited to couples or honeymooners, The Maldives has
and winters in Naples. July is the hottest month in Naples a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round and
with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 29°C a great deal of sunshine and blue skies. The hottest month
(64°F to 85°F). on average is April and the coolest, December.
Probably the most popular of the towns along the Amalfi Even though it is a place suited to lovebirds, you could bring
Coast is Capri. Although there are no beaches, Capri has your family. Many of the resorts are child-friendly, offering
some wonderful walks, along shoulder-width lanes bordering day-care services and activities for the younger ones.
the prettiest of gardens and into wilder terrain.
Anya’s Top Tip: “The Maldives is five hours ahead of the UK so
There’s a luxurious air to this region, so head for the Amalfi jet-lag shouldn’t be too severe. However, the spa on Kurumba
Coast if you’re looking to spoil yourself and enjoy the finer where I stayed offers a special jet-lag massage and a host of
things in life! other treatments to help you unwind.”
Anya’s Top Tip: “Take a ferry taxi west to Positano, a charming
little resort town with Moorish architecture and even steeper
streets, with beautifully astounding views.”
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
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Madagascar Antananarivo
Blue Sky League Position: 6th
Two hundred and fifty miles off the east coast of Africa,
Madagascar is more than twice the size of Britain. The Island
is ringed by golden beaches and palm trees – a true paradise.
Madagascar’s lush coastal areas deliver that warm, wet
tropical feel with regular rain year round, while still managing
a good amount of sunshine during the day.
A trip to Madagascar would not be complete without a visit
to one of the country’s national parks. Anya visited the Reserve
Speciale d’Analamazaotra which is the smaller of two parks
sited in the Parc National de Antasibe-Mantadia.
On her adventure she saw many different types of palm trees,
medicinal plants including Chamomile, lizards, spiders,
and the national bird of Madagascar, the Ibis.
Anya’s Top Tip: “Very few people speak English here so if
you’re looking to visit Madagascar, make sure you pick up
a French phrase book and start practising before you go!”
New Zealand Bay of Islands Morocco Marrakech
Blue Sky League Position: 2nd Blue Sky League Position: 13th
If you didn’t have to travel over 26 hours to get to New Zealand One of Morocco’s most important cultural centres, Marrakech
(from London) you would be forgiven for thinking that you were is a lively former capital famed for its markets and festivals.
landing in Scotland, with the masses of green rolling hills It is the shortest distance you can travel from the UK to find
and livestock. yourself in another continent.
The Maori name for New Zealand is “Aotearoa” which translates Marrakech and the interior of Morocco can become stiflingly
as ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. The weather and climate is of hot in summer, easily exceeding 40°C (104°F). Fronting the
paramount importance to the people of New Zealand – many of desert, these plains are also subject to springtime sandstorms
whom make their living from the land. Its climate is dominated by (usually in April). Even in winter, the lowlands can be hot during
two main geographical features – the mountains and the sea. the day, with the mercury hitting 30°C (86°F), but temperatures
drop quickly in the evening.
The Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New
Zealand with 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay has On a short stay break in Marrakech, the Medina is a place not
an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, to be missed. It’s a network of over a thousand streets spread
penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. across 6.47sq km (20 sq miles).
Anya’s Top Tip: “If you have bags of time, take in the scenery Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise, a city full of skilled artisans
by hiring a car and driving from Auckland to Kerikeri in the Bay making (mostly) quality products in wood, leather, metal,
of Islands rather than flying – it takes between three and four brass and silver.
hours, depending on traffic. And pack a wind and water proof
jacket for those outdoor activities!” Anya’s Top Tip: “If, like me, you have a limited amount of time
in Marrakech and want to see and learn as much as possible,
then organising a guided tour is essential.”
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
•
Japan Tokyo
Blue Sky League Position: 8th
Many things might spring to mind when thinking of the
metropolis that is Tokyo.
Electronics, sushi, sumo wrestling, animation and art house
films and of course the dozens of skyscrapers armed with giant
TV screens touching the bright blue sky! The city is all this and
more and would most appeal to travelling couples or friends.
The neighbourhoods of Akihabara and Shinjuku also offer
superb deals on all electronics. Perfect for picking up the
latest invention to show off to your friends back home!
Anya’s Top Tip: “Head for the Shibuya district to look at
the neon skyscrapers (and hairstyles) that fill this exciting
area. Visitors should come here to buy vinyl records, funky
clothing, people-watch, or spend a couple of hours in a
Love Hotel!”
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
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South Africa Cape Town
Blue Sky League Position: 5th
South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex
place down to its diversity of people, wildlife, climate
and scenic splendours.
South Africa is a mostly dry and sunny place but the climate
is moderated by its surrounding oceans. As you journey
further east, the handier your rain gear becomes.
Table Mountain is one of the world’s most astonishing sights
and most spectacular at sunrise or sunset. The best and
quickest way to get to the top is by cable car. There are
over 300 different ways to hike or bike back down again.
South Africa is renowned for its world class beaches. The
best are Clifton Beach, for seeing and being seen, Camps
Bay for family fun, and Sandy Bay for an overall tan!
Anya’s Top Tip: “Wine tasting at Groot Constantia Wine
Estate, on South Africa’s oldest wine farm is fantastic and
there are some fabulous restaurants – a fish restaurant
called ‘Simon’s’ is particularly good!”
Scotland Edinburgh North America
Blue Sky League Position: 18th Long Beach, Los Angeles
Edinburgh is unique among Scotland’s cities. From dance
clubs in 15th-century buildings and fire breathers outside Blue Sky League Position: 10th
Georgian mansions, this is a place that knows how to blend Destination 11 on Anya’s itinerary, the city of Long Beach is
ancient and modern. the second largest in Los Angeles County and is one of the most
popular places to visit in California.
Temperatures in the hottest months (usually July and August)
can show daytime highs of around 21°C (70°F); anything Located on the south side of affluent Los Angeles, it is home to
higher is regarded by local residents as a heatwave! the rich and the famous and is the hottest place on the California
coast, with nearly 345 days of sunshine every year.
For panoramic views, walk up the dramatic Salisbury Crags
that lie just in front of Arthur’s Seat (the ancient volcanic hill Summer temperatures are a sizzling 70-80°F, and winter
that is climbable and also offers spectacular views). temperatures are quite comfortable at 55-65°F, making Long
Beach the ultimate year-round holiday destination.
From here you can see such landmarks as Holyrood Palace,
the famous Firth of Forth Bridge, the sea and on a clear Its most famous attraction is the ocean liner ‘Queen Mary’ now
day, the distant Trossach Mountains. turned in to a hotel and where Anya stayed on her visit. There
are a number of tours you can take which explain the boat’s role
Anya’s Top Tip: “Don’t miss the Edinburgh Festival held in World War II.
in August – the city really comes alive with tonnes of great
comedy events as well as live music, dance and opera to Anya’s Top Tip: “Go to ‘Muscle’ (Venice) beach for some great
enjoy. But plan your accommodation and travel early – people-watching opportunities or day dream about living the
things get booked up quickly!” Hollywood lifestyle by driving through Beverly Hills and checking
out the massive mansions!”
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Expedia.co.uk World’s Best Blue Sky Report
A 64,000 mile odyssey to find the world’s bluest sky
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Thailand Koh Samui
Blue Sky League Position: 17th
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other
country in South East Asia. Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest
island and during the last decade it has become one of South
East Asia’s premier tourist destinations.
The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand climate-wise
is between November and February when it is not too wet
and not too hot.
Koh Samui is a beach lover’s paradise – there are so many
beaches on the island to explore, each offering something
different. For those in search of scenery, head to Bang Rak
beach on the northern coast, famous for its huge Buddha
image at the eastern end of the beach.
Anya’s Top Tip: “If you don’t fancy joining the globe-trotting
backpackers at a full-moon party on neighbouring Koh Phangan,
then you could spend a few days learning to dive and getting
your PADI certificate with one of the many reputable dive
companies on the island. It’s an amazing experience!”
United Kingdom Wales Castell Dinas Bran
Rock, Cornwall Blue Sky League Position: 9th
Castell Dinas Bran is set high above Llangollen and can
Blue Sky League Position: 20th be seen for miles around. ‘Dinas Bran’ translates as Crow
The town of Rock is across the Camel estuary from the fishing City in English, but it is usually known as Crow Castle.
port of Padstow. Occasionally referred to as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’,
Rock is reputed to be the home of more millionaires than The North East of Wales finds itself the driest region in
anywhere else in Cornwall. the country. The wind blows mainly from the South West
so winters are generally mild and summers cool.
Rain falls the year round, but in summer the rain is often derived
from thunderstorms generated over France. Cornwall can expect Llangollen is a haven for shoppers looking for interesting
well over 1500 hours of sunshine annually and whilst May is and unusual gifts. There are also many interesting walks
usually the sunniest month, May to July average around seven in the town. A favourite walk is the stroll along Dee Lane
hours of sunshine a day. and Victoria Promenade to Riverside Walk.
Various leisure pursuits include sea angling, fishing trips, sailing, Thousands of visitors from around the globe descend
canoeing, rowing and water skiing. There is a foot ferry across on Llangollen in July each year when it hosts the Llangollen
to Padstow, still a working port, but very popular with tourists, International Musical Eisteddfod.
particularly because of the numerous local fish restaurants. Anya’s Top Tip: “Don’t forget how beautiful the landscape
There is also a water taxi available, for those staying out late. is on your doorstep! Wales is really stunning and steeped in
Anya’s Top Tip: “For a really fresh dinner, go and catch your history. Castel Dinas Bran – a 13th century medieval castle
own! Head out on a fishing trip and fill your basket with mackerel and hill fort – has links with the legendary Holy Grail!
and then eat it from a barbeque on one of the fine sandy Definitely worth a visit.”
beaches – bliss.”
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